This fairly obscure LP by
the Modern Jazz Quartet features fresh material and improvisations that are both swinging and creative. Pianist
John Lewis' "The Spiritual" and "Baseball," along with vibraphonist
Milt Jackson's "Novamo" and "For Someone I Love," comprise half the program, and it is
Jackson's influence that seems to be the weightier one here.
Jackson and
the MJQ always rose to the challenge of a crowd. There are also excellent ballad renditions of "The Shadow of Your Smile" and "What's New." The bluesier side of the band is what's mostly on display here, and
the MJQ plays up to its usual level. None of the classic group's recordings should be passed by. ~ Scott Yanow & Thom Jurek